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Alcohol awareness program in Frazee

The evening's panel will include people whose lives have been greatly impacted in various ways by the use of alcohol and other drugs. These people can also help make an impact on the lives of those who attend this local session.

The program will include Judy Bradow, whose daughter Jenny died in May 1993 after being hit by a drunk driver who was celebrating his sentence completion from a previous DWI conviction.

"We have, as a family, suffered all these years without her and we think of her every single day," Bradow said.

Regarding the driver, she said, "He got out of his car and ran from the scene without a scratch or injury whatsoever."

In addition to Bradow, Curt Walvatne will address the hard facts that he's learned in a 16-year career in the field of rehabilitation. His work "in the trenches" has connected him with prison paroles, drug addicts and Vietnam veterans.

A recovering alcoholic himself, he shares the reality of choices regarding alcohol use, and the consequences that follow those choices.

Intervention Specialist Bill Iverson's perspective can help those who are concerned about someone who has a problem with alcohol or other drugs. The downward spiral of loss can be stopped -- more and more people are learning about interventions as a way of breaking through the denial to find help.

This program is for all community members, as well as youth and parents. Frazee Students Against Drunk Motoring and More (FSADMM) will be extending a special invitation to students and their parents.

Did you know?

 An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before his or her first arrest.

 One in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

 50 to 75 persent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.

 One in five teens binge drink. Only 1 in 100 parents believes his or her teen binge drinks.

 Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and one out of three of those is alcohol related.

 Kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.

 High school students who use alcohol or other substances are five times more likely to drop out of school or believe good grades are not important.